Jaime One aspect of the application process that is often misunderstood by parents and students alike, is the college/university interview. College interviews can be a nerve-wracking experience, but they're also an opportunity for students to make a great impression and to learn more about the university. After all, if parents will spend an estimated quarter of a million dollars on their son or daughter’s university education -the student should be sure they are going to a university they truly value!
What is the Purpose of a College Interview?
The purpose of an interview depends on the university and the type of interview that is conducted. Most students and parents assume that when the student ‘gets an interview’ it means they are being strongly considered for admission. This is not always the case, as there are a few different types of university/college interviews, and the purpose for each one varies. For this particular post, we will focus on the US Alumni Interview.
The Alumni Interview - Character, fit & interest
The most common type of interview for our students is the Alumni Interview. As you can decipher from the name, these interviews are conducted by graduates of a specific institution. Alumni volunteer their time to speak with prospective applicants. It is important to note that Alumni do not see any part of a student's application.
Q: If Alumni do not see a student’s application, what is the purpose of the Alumni Interview?
Answer: Remember, the US application is like a puzzle, and the Alumni Interview can serve as one small piece of this complex puzzle. Alumni who conduct interviews must write a short report detailing their impressions of the student, including the student level of interest and enthusiasm for the university and perhaps the major they have chosen. In short, Alumni interviews are character and interest assessments shared with the admissions committee. Alumni do not ‘weigh in’ on whether or not the student is admitted. Essentially, this type of interview is meant to provide the university with a picture of the candidate to see if the impressions experienced by the alumni are in alignment with the way the applicant has expressed him or herself in the application through their essays and activities.
Q: If the student doesn’t get an interview, does it mean that they are not going to gain admission?
Answer: No. Colleges try to interview as many applicants as possible, and the interviews have nothing to do with the strength or weakness of the student’s candidacy. A student with no chance of earning admission has just as good of a chance of securing an alumni interview as a student with an excellent opportunity to get in. After all, a key purpose of the alumni interview is for a college to make their alums feel like they’re still intimately involved in the goings on of the school. And why? An actively engaged alumni base is more inclined to donate money to their alma mater!
Note: Universities cannot guarantee that every applicant will receive an alumni interview, and some universities even require the student to be proactive and request an interview! The university's alumni network strives to contact the vast majority of applicants every year to arrange an interview, but getting an interview will depend on the availability of alumni in the area, so it is not a required element of the application.
Here are some of the most common college interview questions:
- Tell me about yourself.
- Why do you want to study this subject?
- Why do you want to attend this college?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- What are your extracurricular activities?
- What are your career goals?
- What are your favorite activities that you do at school?
- What are your favorite activities that you do outside of school?
- What’s your favorite class?
- What’s your least favorite class?
- What would a teacher say about you?
- What would a friend say about you?
- What’s your favorite book?
- What’s another favorite book of yours?
- Do you feel your academic record is an accurate measure of your work in high school?
- Tell me about your family.
- What do you love about your school?
- If you could change one thing about your school, what would it be and why?
- What’s a story in the news that interests you right now?
- If you had a free Saturday afternoon, what would you do and why?
Tips for the Alumni Interview
Do your research
Before your interview, it is important to do your research on the university and the program you are interested in. This will help you answer questions about why you want to attend the school and what you hope to gain from your education. You can also use this research to prepare questions to ask your interviewer.
Sample student questions for the interviewer:
- What was your experience like?
- What did you love most about your college that you think other colleges may not offer?
- What would you have done differently?
- What DIDN’T the school do well?
- How did going to this school help you get where you are today?
- What makes students at your university different?
- What’s something that makes you really proud of being a graduate of this university?
- In your opinion, what are the character traits of a student who’d do really well here?
Be prepared to talk about yourself
Be prepared to answer questions about your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and personal goals. Be sure to have some specific examples to share that illustrate your strengths and interests.
Here are some tips for preparing for a college interview:
- Do your research on the school.
- Practice answering common interview questions.
- Dress professionally.
- Arrive on time.
- Be polite and enthusiastic.
- Make eye contact.
- Ask questions.
- Find a way to incorporate topics you are excited and enthusiastic about!
- Send a thank-you note after the interview.
Conclusion
Remember, the alumni interview is your opportunity to show the university that you are who you said you are. Be yourself, be enthusiastic, and be prepared to answer questions about yourself and your academic pursuits. With a little preparation, you can ace your college interview and make a great impression!